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| Hong Kong’s new cruise terminal is quite close to the city center, making it easy to tour around. |
International cruisers have been waiting with bated breath for the debut of Hong Kong’s latest investment, the Cruise Terminal at Kai Tak. The terminal, which opened in part in June and will be fully operational in 2014, is set to be a game-changer for Hong Kong’s (and the rest of Asia’s) tourism scene. Why? Its sheer size and proximity to the city center. Cruise Terminal at Kai Tak was constructed with the capability to berth two Oasis-class vessels at the same time. The main building of the terminal is a three-story structure, with the ability to clear more than 3000 passengers an hour through immigration and customs. Not only is it efficient, but it’s decked out with some quality features. A 30,000-square-foot garden is open on its roof, where cruisers can picnic or simply enjoy the view of Victoria Harbour.
A-listers stopping in port for a short stint can take advantage of Hong Kong’s luxury offerings and can easily get a feel of the city in a short amount of time.
Cruisers with shopping on their mind will feel right at home in Hong Kong. A visit to LANDMARK is a must for any fashionistas. This luxury shopping oasis in Central Hong Kong has 208 shopping and dining outlets in four retail destinations. Hong Kong is also a haven for custom suit tailoring. For some of the best, be sure to visit Sam’s Tailor, Empire International Tailors or Moustache. For fine and authentic antiques, we suggest an amble down Upper Lascar Row (affectionately known as Cat Street). Here travelers can find antique treasures, as well as jade, silk products and wooden crafts.
Feeling peckish after a day of shopping? Hong Kong is bursting with culinary gems. If it’s über fine dining you are after, visit Four Seasons Hong Kong’s Caprice or Lung King Heen, both of which have three Michelin stars. Travelers can also get a taste of contemporary Hong Kong at Ta Pantry, the brainchild of Chef Tata Esther Shan, a Hong Kong native. Ta Pantry has three private dining rooms, each decked out in its own unique style. The rooms also have open-air balconies for an alfresco experience. And, of course, you can’t do Hong Kong without doing dim sum. And if you are going to do dim sum, it may as well be at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Enter Tim Ho Wan, a master of dim sum serving up baked buns with barbecue pork, pan fried turnip cakes and steamed egg cakes—all dim sum delicacies.
Keep the energy going into the wee hours at Sugar, a swanky bar and lounge where DJs spin, cocktails flow and small bites are served. Quinary is another must for night owls. The sexy bar scene pulls in well-heeled travelers and locals alike.
If relaxation is more your speed, we suggest booking treatments at either the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong’s spa, or at the Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. The Mandarin’s spa has eight treatment rooms, including two couples’ suites with private vitality pools, a tea lounge, indoor swimming pool, Chinese herbal steam room, experience showers, Jacuzzi and more. At the Ritz-Carlton, travelers are not only in for ultra relaxing experiences, but also eye-popping views. The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA sits on the 116th floor of the hotel. Open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., the facility offers a signature lava shell body treatment. There is also a couples suite deluxe body massage, or private couple spa suite therapies.